Northwestern University Athletics
Wildcats Take on the East
12/16/2003 12:00:00 AM | Wrestling
Dec. 16, 2003
EVANSTON, Ill.--With the Midlands Wrestling Championships looming later this month, Northwestern's wrestling team (5-1 overall) will get some extra preparation when it faces American at 10 a.m. ET Thursday in Washington, D.C. and partakes in the Beast of the Invitational Friday in Newark, Del.
The dual match against American was moved from 7:30 p.m. Wednesday because American's students are in the midst of finals.
Two weeks ago at the Northern Illinois Duals, Josh Ballard (Carlsbad, N.M./Carlsbad), Matt Delguyd (Mayfield Heights, Ohio/Mayfield) and John Velez (Kings Mills, Ohio/Kings) each went 3-0 as NU won two of its three dual matches. All three will have a chance to showcase their talents in Thursday's match and especially in the Invitational.
"I am anxious to see how the team looks after a one-week break," said head coach Tim Cysewski. "American will be a good challenge for us. I am glad to get a match under our belts before the Beast of the East."
The Eagles (0-1), who return 10 letterwinners from last year's 2-16 team, have competed in only one dual match so far this season, losing to Binghamton Nov. 16. American will likely have two seniors in the lineup in Matt Pellegrino at 125 lbs. and Jared Hyman at heavyweight.
This year's Beast of the East will mark the second time for collegiate participation in the Invitational; Northwestern did not send its team last year. The 'Cats will be joined by 17 other teams, including the top-three finishers in 2002 (1st-Rider, 2nd-Ohio and 3rd-Buffalo).
"The Beast is a new tournament for us, and an excellent one in which to prepare for the Midlands Wrestling Championships," said Cysewski. "It will be interesting to see how we compete against these top teams, but I expect us to do very well."
After a break for the holidays, the Wildcats will return to action in the Midlands, which is held Dec. 29-30 at Welsh-Ryan Arena.
